Functional treatment for acute ankle sprains: Softcast wrap versus MOK-cast. A prospective randomized single-center trial. Issue 4 (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Louwerens, J.K.G.; Mensch, D.T.; Verhoof, O.J.W.; de Reuver, P.R.; Bijlsma, T.S.; van Noort, A.; van den Bekerom, M.P.J.
• Is Part Of: Foot and ankle surgery. Volume 25:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 482
• Page End: 487
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Ankle -- Ligament -- Injury -- Treatment -- Sport -- Brace; Foot -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- surgery -- Periodicals; Foot -- surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- Surgery; Foot -- Surgery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.58
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2018.03.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1268-7731

Abstract

Highlights: Randomized control trial for treatment of acute lateral ankle ligament injury. Comparison between a removable MOK-cast or a semi-rigid brace. The MOK-cast is proven to be just as effective with high patient satisfaction. The patient is given more control over his own treatment. Abstract: Background: The outcome of a removable (MOK-cast) versus a non-removable polyester wrap for acute lateral ankle ligament injury is unknown. Methods: Patients with grade II–III lateral ankle ligament injuries were randomized between treatment with a MOK-cast and a wrap. Primary outcome is the Karlsson score for function. Secondary outcomes are patient satisfaction and pain at 4 months follow-up. Results: Randomisation resulted in 53 and 54 patients per arm. Four month follow up was completed by 92% (n = 100). The mean Karlsson score improved from 20 to 87 (p < 0.01) in the wrap group and 20 to 90 (p < 0.01) in the MOK-cast group. In the MOK-cast group treatment satisfaction was higher (8.2 vs 7.8 p 0.04). Reported pain was higher in the first thirty days after injury (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Both wrap and MOK-cast are effective functional treatment options in acute lateral ankle ligament injury. MOK-cast is associated with increased patient satisfaction but higher VAS pain scores. Level of evidence: I.